Carman-Ainsworth Board of Education to continue discussions with unions, contractors

View full sizeBrett Carlsen | MLive.com Bus drivers and custodians fill the Carman-Ainsworth Board of Education meeting Wednesday night to express their concern over the possible privatization of their jobs by the school district.

FLINT TOWNSHIP, MI -- After more than 40 minutes of public comment asking for staff to reconsider privatizing custodial and bus services, Carman-Ainsworth Board of Education members voted to continue talks with contractors and bargaining units.

Board members recently voted to take Request For Proposal bids from private business, with the potential of hiring employees outside the school district for non-instructional services.

More than 50 protestors were on hand in red shirt with white lettering stating "Don't Fire Us," including Sue Jones, a bus driver for the past dozen years within the school district.

"I feel so violated that something is being taken. That’s just the feeling that I got," she said, comparing the potential move to having her home or car broken into.

Maureen McCallister, a SNAP negotiator with the Michigan Education Association, said she hoped the district would continue dealing well with bargaining units.

"I am hoping you will continue to do this tradition before you end community jobs here," said McCallister, stressing the importance of bus drivers in the student's day.

"Show your character and use your power to keep your community in Carman," she said. The district has 20 full-time bus drivers and around two dozen custodial staff members.

Outgoing Superintendent Bill Haley said the move is part of discussions in trying to reduce budget expenses for the 2012-13 budget year.

"By the end of 2013, we would have 1 percent (fund balance) in the bank," he said, equaling out to an estimated $500,000 by June 2013. The fund balance stood at $7 million three years ago.

Post-bid interviews are currently taking place, along with discussions with bargaining units. Haley noted the district had to borrow money -- $4 million for cash flow purposes -- for the first time this year.

Board members also voted to take RFPs during the 2011-12 budget process to procure $100 per student funding from the state to meet a Best Practice Incentive and have done the same this year albeit for less money.

"The jumping through the hood is the same, but the amount is half," said Haley, attending his last board meeting before taking over in his new position as executive director of Genesee County Catholic Schools.

Board secretary Peggy Anderson said Wednesday's vote would allow further discussion with bargaining units, and any agreements would require board approval in an open meeting.

"This is an opportunity for more time," she said, while addressing one speaker whom stated the issue should not be about money.

"I appreciate when you say it’s not about dollars and cents," Anderson said. "If it weren’t you wouldn’t be here and we wouldn’t be having this discussion."

Board President Patrice Hunter said instructional services and education will always come first when making budget decisions and was grateful for the crowd in attendance.

"I wanted to thank all of you that provided support for our students," she said. "I wish we were in a better position than we’re in and can work things out."